Attacks on prison officers: The ongoing peril within the HM prison service.
Slee Blackwell’s personal injury department has been seeing an influx in enquiries from current and former prison officers that have been hurt while carrying out their duties.
A recent video has emerged following an attack on a prison guard at HMP Parc, in which the guard was seen being brutally attacked by inmates. This sheds further light on the staggering increase in assaults on prison officers.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media platforms, depicted the grim reality faced by those working within the confines of prisons. Despite the crucial role they play in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff, these individuals can often find themselves vulnerable to violence and aggression.
Attacks on prison officers are not isolated occurrences but rather a systemic issue that plagues correctional institutions worldwide. According to official statistics, assaults on staff members within prisons have been on the rise in recent years.
The reasons behind these attacks are multifaceted, ranging from tensions between inmates and staff, to issues such as overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate training and support for officers. In many cases, the hostile environment within prisons, compounded by the prevalence of gangs and the presence of illicit substances, exacerbates the risk faced by officers on a daily basis.
The consequences of these assaults extend far beyond the physical injuries inflicted upon the victims. The psychological toll of such incidents can be profound, leading to long-lasting trauma and a sense of uncertainty among prison staff.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to support these frontline workers, not only in terms of physical safety but also in seeking legal recourse when they are harmed on the job.
When a prison officer is attacked in the course of their duties, they may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Compensation can be recovered for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses as well as the pain and suffering of the injury, and any psychological trauma. We specialise in such claims and are also experienced in dealing with prison officer stress claims.
For guidance on making a claim on a No Win, No Fee basis, contact our free legal helpline. Call 0333 888 0404 or email us at [email protected]
